Photo credits: Myler Facebook
Winter sports enthusiasts, particularly those from countries without the conditions to enjoy their favorite activities, are always on the lookout for new destinations. Armenia ski resorts are also on the list with more professional ski facilities opening in the country.
While it may not be the first country that comes to mind for a ski vacation, it was quite popular during the Soviet past. Even Soviet Olympic athletes held training sessions in the mountains of Tsaghkadzor, a resort town only 40 minutes drive from Yerevan. Now Armenia also boasts peaks that rise to 2400 meters above the sea level in the newly constructed Myler resort.
With plenty of sunny winter days and affordable options, Armenia is also ideal for hitting the slopes. There is also interest in Armenia’s facilities among tourists from the Middle East. Even some Dubai-based tour operators say tour packages for Armenia are becoming popular. Armenia offers proximity, affordability, and a unique experience. This makes visiting local ski resorts much cheaper than those in Europe. It’s an ideal choice for both skiers and those simply looking to have fun in the snow, even if they’re not hitting the slopes.
This blog will explain how to reach Armenia ski resorts and what tourists can find there.
Tsaghkadzor Skiing Opportunities
It is undoubtedly Armenia’s top ski destination with a history. This resort is the country’s most famous place to ski and offers something for every type of tourist and professional athlete.
Weather in Tsaghkadzor
The best time to visit Tsaghkadzor is between December and March when the slopes are covered in fresh snow. The resort town enjoys a continental climate, meaning you can expect cold, snowy winters that are perfect for winter sports. However, during winters in the last two years, the weather is warmer than one can expect so it’s better to check out from a travel agency based in Armenia.
How to Reach Tsaghkadzor
The good news is the resort is easily accessible from Yerevan, just 40 minutes by car. If you’re coming from Dilijan, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Additionally, it’s only 20 minutes from the beautiful Lake Sevan, which means you can enjoy the stunning lake views while heading to the resort.
You can easily arrange a taxi or shuttle service, or rent a car if you prefer flexibility. The highway from Yerevan to the resort town is well-maintained.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, you can choose to stay in Yerevan and travel to the ski resort. Otherwise, there are plenty of options to suit every budget in Tsaghkadzor itself. Tourists can choose from luxurious hotels to more affordable guesthouses. The resort town is not that big, and many hotels are located close enough to the ski lifts.
Slopes
There is a variety of slopes for different levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort is set on the eastern slopes of Mount Teghenis, with two main peaks, Teghenis (2,851 m) and Tsakhkunyats (2,820 m)․
The lower section stretches 9 km, designed for experienced skiers and thrill-seekers. With sharp turns and steep descents up to 270 degrees, this challenging slope is accessed by a heated 4-seat chairlift.
The middle section, 0.8 km long, is perfect for beginners and families, with smooth, less technical terrain. A 2-seat heated chairlift serves this area. The upper section is a 1 km-long, black-diamond slope for expert skiers, with steep inclines and challenging conditions. It is reached via a fast lift in just 11 minutes.
The ropeway has five chairlifts, with the longest being 1,624 meters, providing access to high-altitude terrain up to 2,819 meters above sea level.
Newly opened Myler Ski Resort
Myler Ski Resort in the Aragatsotn province is a must-visit for skiing enthusiasts. Opened in 2023, it’s Armenia’s newest ski complex, offering cutting-edge facilities and year-round mountain experiences.
Weather at Myler
The skiing season at Myler is enhanced by an artificial snowmaking system introduced in 2024, ensuring perfect slopes regardless of the weather. The best time to visit is between December and March when the natural and artificial snow combines.
How to Reach Myler
Located just 62 kilometers from Zvartnots International Airport, Myler is only a one-hour drive from Yerevan. Visitors can hire a taxi, rent a car, or opt for shuttle services to reach the resort.
Accommodations
This is a new ski destination and although it already offers cozy chalets there is no such variety of options as in Tsaghkadzor. However, there are several cafes where you can try traditional and European cuisine. Since options are limited and the slopes are located near a village rather than a resort town like Tsaghkadzor, prices tend to be higher. Compared to Tsaghkadzor, the latter offers a wider range of choices with more affordable options.
Skiing and Facilities
Myler boasts 100 marked ski pistes and a vertical drop of 972 meters. With its state-of-the-art Nare’s Express ski lift by Doppelmayr, skiers can access around 7 kilometers of slopes, ranging in difficulty. The highest point is at 2,850 meters, unveiling panoramic views of Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats and other peaks.
Lernanist
Photo credit: Lernanist Facebook
If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to busy ski resorts and want to combine your trip with a visit to Lake Sevan, Lernanist is the perfect choice. This charming village, located midway between Yerevan and Lake Sevan, offers a peaceful setting for skiing and winter activities.
The slopes are gentle and short, making it ideal for families with young children or beginners. Activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and even snowmobiling.
Things to Do After Skiing
After a day on the slopes, Armenia offers plenty of opportunities to enrich your experience. You can visit historical monuments nearby and taste traditional Armenian cuisine.
In Tsaghkadzor, you stop by the Kecharis Monastery, an 11th-13th century architectural gem. If you’re skiing in Lernanist, don’t miss the chance to visit the stunning Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery.
For those at Myler, explore the fascinating monuments to Armenian letters or stop by the historic churches on the way to the resort. In Armenia, skiing is always paired with cultural discovery!